DiGi.Com-Celcom Axiata merger gets SC's nod

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 15): Axiata Group Bhd moved a step closer to merging the telecommunication operations of its subsidiary Celcom Axiata Bhd with Norwegian Telenor Group’s unit DiGi.Com Bhd, after the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) approved the plan.

The completion of the proposed transaction will now be subject to the approval of Bursa Malaysia and by both Axiata and DiGi.Com shareholders. In June, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had issued a notice of no objection to the proposed merger.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Thursday (Sept 15), Axiata said DiGi.Com had notified the group that the SC had approved the proposed merger. However, this is still subject to CIMB Investment Bank Bhd and DiGi.Com complying with certain terms and conditions contained in the letter dated Sept 15.

"The SC had also, vide the same letter, approved the proposed merger under the Bumiputera equity requirement for public-listed companies, in relation to the resultant equity structure of DiGi.Com pursuant to the (exercise)," it added.

In a separate filing, DiGi.Com said the proposed merger entails Axiata transfering 100% of its stake in Celcom Axiata to DiGi.Com for RM17.76 billion, which will be satisfied via a combination of 3.96 billion new Digi shares issued at RM4.06 each and RM1.69 billion cash.

The proposed merger is expected to be completed within the second half of 2022. At completion, Axiata and Telenor will hold equal ownership of 33.1% each in the newly-merged company.

Axiata shares ended the day down 10 sen or 3.45% at RM2.80 on Thursday, bringing it a market capitalisation of RM25.7 billion. DiGi.Com shares also settled 7 sen or 1.98% lower at RM3.46, valuing the group at RM26.9 billion.